Meditation is a transformative practice that benefits both mind and body, but it can often be challenging to discern how deep into meditation youve truly gone. According to Light Watkins, a seasoned meditation teacher and mindbodygreen class instructor, there are specific signs that indicate a profound depth in meditation, similar to reaching deeper stages of sleep. Understanding these signs can help you recognize the effectiveness of your practice, even if it feels subtle during the process. 1.
Forgetting You Were Meditating A key sign of deep meditation is when you lose awareness that you are meditating at all. This doesnt mean your mind is empty, but rather that its deeply engaged in something beyond the immediate self-awareness of meditating. This can be compared to the effortless state before falling asleep, where youre not conscious of trying to sleep. 2.
Getting Lost in Thought Contrary to popular belief, having thoughts during meditation doesnt necessarily mean you are doing it wrong. Deep meditation often involves a shift from active surface thinking to more subtle, sometimes abstract thinking. This flow of thoughts is a natural part of the minds process to de-excite and can lead to moments of no awareness or profound insight. 3.
Experiencing Time Lapses If meditation seems to pass quicker than the time youve actually spent, you likely experienced what Watkins describes as time lapses. This perception of time distortion is a common sign of deep meditation, where you may not recall specific thoughts or moments, indicating that your consciousness was operating on a more subtle level. 4. Physical Relaxation Deep physical relaxation, including changes in posture during meditation, signifies that your body has entered a state of deep rest.
Its common to begin meditation with a straight posture and find yourself slightly slumped over by the end. This relaxation is not a lapse in practice but a sign of deepening into the meditative experience, often accompanied by a high degree of bodily relaxation and even involuntary movements like drooling. 5. Shallow Breathing Significant changes in breathing patterns, such as very shallow breathing or brief pauses in breathing, are strong indicators of deep meditation.
These moments are reflective of reduced bodily metabolism and profound rest, sometimes deeper than sleep. Such states are often followed by a deep breath, signaling a return to normal breathing patterns. Deepening Your Practice If you arent yet noticing these signs, theres no need to worry. Deepening meditation practice is a gradual process, influenced by consistent practice and a non-judgmental attitude towards ones experiences.
Seasoned meditators know that all meditations contribute beneficially to wellbeing, regardless of their depth. By regularly engaging in meditation without rigid expectations, you naturally enhance your ability to enter deeper states. In conclusion, while the outward signs of deep meditation can vary, these indicators provide a framework for recognizing when you have engaged more profoundly with your practice. Whether you notice these signs or not, the key is to continue practicing patiently and without judgment, allowing the natural process of meditation to foster greater peace and self-awareness over time.
